TEAMSPIRIT

The internal magazine aimed at keeping staff up-to-date with important council news, staff stories, events and promotions.

Send your article ideas, feedback or comments on Team Spirit to leemelanie@walsall.gov.uk or call her on 01922 658426.

June 2012

TEAMSPIRIT contents

Deadline for July 2012 Team Spirit:

Monday 16 July 2012

Message from Paul Sheehan

Colleagues, Welcome to the June edition of Team Spirit. This Saturday 30 June 2012 sees the Olympic Torch come to Walsall. There’s a reminder of the route and where you can get more information inside this issue. It

will be a great day for the borough and I will be there to cheer the torch bearers on.

This issue also features the commendable efforts of colleagues who are raising money for charities that are close to their hearts. July sees the start of my next series of staff briefings. These will provide an opportunity for you to hear about the future direction of the council, particularly in the current economic climate, and to ask questions.

The briefing dates are: Wednesday 18 July 2012 – 9:00am Council House Conference Room 2 Wednesday 24July 2012 – 2:00pm Council House Conference Room 2 Friday 27 July 2012 – 10:00am Council House Conference Room 2 Tuesday 31 July 2012 – 2:00pm Allen Centre – Hilton Road Please give Margaret or Ruby a call on 01922 653263/6520006 to reserve either individual or group seats and let them know any questions you would like to raise with me.

Regards Paul Sheehan Chief Executive

----------------------------------------------------

WWaallkk tthhiiss wwaayy –– GGaarreetthh aanndd NNiinnaa

oonn tthheeiirr mmaarrkkss ffoorr ffuunnddrraaiisseerr

Gareth and Nina Perrins-Seedhouse will walk 10km on Sunday 1 July 2012 in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust to help the Young Person’s Cancer Unit at the QE2 in Birmingham.

It took a bit of persuasion though. When Gareth, who is himself coping with the condition, asked his wife if he could take part in the 10km Shenstone Fun Run for charity Nina said no, “You push yourself too hard; you get out of breath just climbing the stairs.” Determined to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust, he approached Nina again, suggesting she join him, and she gave in, “Okay, we’ll take our time and walk the 10km and I’ll hold your hand all the way.“

Gareth admits it’s a big challenge for him and he knows he mustn’t push himself too hard. Every day he faces his own battles with cancer.

In 2008 Gareth was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer of the parotid gland. He underwent 20 hours of surgery in 3 separate operations and 6 weeks of daily radiotherapy which has left him with facial palsy. Sadly, his Dad, now aged 77, was diagnosed with incurable cancer the same year. “He’s been fighting hard alongside me, we support each other and my heart goes out to my mom, Maureen. For a parent the worst thing you can imagine in life is your children being ill.”

In 2009, Gareth took part for the first time in the Shenstone Fun Run and ran it in 55 minutes raising funds for the Willow Foundation.

Gareth explained, “The Willow Foundation was set up by Arsenal football player Bob Wilson whose daughter died quite young of cancer. It’s a charity that helps 15-40 year olds have a special day out or break during their treatment. They sent us to Center Parcs for our son’s 2nd birthday. So I ran the race to give something back.” In January 2011, Gareth contracted swine flu which led the consultants to diagnose that the cancer had returned and had taken up residency in his lungs and was incurable. He was given an estimated life expectancy of up to 12 months. The consultants recommended a programme of chemotherapy aimed at containing the cancer for as long as possible to maximise his life. Nina was heavily pregnant at the time, and said to Gareth “let’s get married now.” He was released from his first round of treatment on a Tuesday, they married on a Thursday and Nina gave birth to their second son a week later and then Gareth was back in hospital for more treatment. The couple met at Walsall Council in 2005. In 1997, Gareth Seedhouse had just finished a degree in business management and planned to do a masters degree after a spell of work. A job for Community Park Ranger came up and he’s been here ever since. He now manages a team of six as Manager of the Greensapce Improvement Service (GIS) who are based in the lodge at the Arboretum. GIS are responsible for all aspects of the improvement and development of Walsall’s parks, greenspaces, play areas and allotments and setting the strategy and policies to determine the future development of Walsall’s green space service.

Nina Perrins joined the council in 1998 as an administration assistant in Youth Services. She moved to Street Pride in 2004 and is now PA to Mark Holden.

When they married in March 2011, they changed their name to Perrins-Seedhouse. Gareth wanted his sons to have Nina’s name as well.

So why has Gareth chosen to support the Young Person’s Cancer Unit at the QE2?

“I have spent a lot of time at the QE2 undergoing the various treatments that I need and more often than not, the adult ward gets quite full. At the age of 37 I closely meet the criteria needed to enter the teenage ward. It is there that I have met these fabulous young people.”

“Aged between 15 and 24, they tackle their various conditions and daily battle with cancer without fuss, without moaning, with great dignity and so much positivity.

“Unfortunately during my time at hospital I have seen 3 young people sadly lose their lives and I'm always touched by their stories and the support that they offer me as an adult visitor of their ward. Each of my treatment sessions are endured 24/7 over a five day period and I get quite low and sad and then the young people cheer me up with their positive attitude. ”

Teenage Cancer Trust has now provided them with a new ward that feels like home from home. They each have access to a telly, games station, Sky TV, internet,

books, games and DVD's, their own kitchen and rest room, accommodation for the parents and friends to stay over, music lessons, special evenings and continual activities

Gareth set himself a fund raising target of £500 and just over two weeks into launching his JustGiving page he has raised over £2,800. The park rangers are

doing a collection for him and word has spread far and wide. Word is spreading fast after fellow colleague Kate Goodall contacted Brownhills Bob who in turn posted Gareth’s story on his blog.

“Nina and I are overwhelmed by the best wishes and donations received from people we don’t really know as well as from family and friends. There’s a good chance that the fund could top £3,500 but £4,000 would be great.”

Teenage Cancer Trust tells us that £4,000 could pay for 4 young people to attend Teenage Cancer Trust’s annual weekend patient conference ‘Find Your Sense of Tumour’ or 8 flat TV screens or music centres to place in the teenage cancer units across the county or a laptop for up to 5 young people or a pool table each for 4 units.

Despite the worsening position of his health, Gareth remains convinced that he can complete the fun run. Nina will be by his side, as well as his mates from Shenstone Pathfinder FC who are raising money for their club as well as Teenage Cancer Trust.

When asked what else he would like to feature in Team Spirit, Gareth’s immediate reply is his team at Greenspaces. “Six of us manage the development and improvement of green spaces and parks throughout the borough. They all do a fantastic job and some people might not realise that their roles are so diverse.

“Walsall is so green and the perception is that Walsall is a built-up area which it is clearly not. The people of Walsall should be proud of their green assets and the work of local volunteers in helping to manage and maintain them is excellent. I’m proud to have been born in Brownhills and that my family and friends all live in Walsall. I’m proud of the work we do at Greenspaces as it benefits everyone in the community.”

Following the progression of the tumours in December 2012 at a time he was undergoing extensive chemotherapy treatment, Gareth took the decision to put a hold on any treatment and is now travelling to London on a monthly basis to look at alternative ideas and treatments that may help to retain his current quality of life for as long as is possible.

Gareth accepts that his life will inevitably be short but he intends for it to be action packed and to be spent as long as possible with Nina and his two boys. Ever the optimist, Gareth adds, “When I asked the consultants in the early days if my facial cancer could move to another part of my body, they said it won’t, it doesn’t do that.

“There are no real cases of it moving to the lungs so I suppose I’m unique and special. So I’ll just carry on believing I can beat this and maybe I can prove them wrong.”

You can read the full story on Gareth’s JustGiving page. Go to http://www.justgiving.com/gareth-perrins-seedhouse.

“It’s not too late to sponsor us after the run has taken place,” Gareth said. “Any donations are welcomed.”

----------------------------------------------------

TTwweeeettss ffoorr mmyy sswweeeett –– ccaarreerr’’ss ssttoorryy

ttoolldd tthhrroouugghh ssoocciiaall mmeeddiiaa

Live tweets from the home of a woman who looks after her husband with dementia were the highlight of another week-long Who Cares? initiative aimed at showing residents the many different aspects to adult social care in Walsall. Communications colleagues Becky Robinson and Tina Faulkner chose National Dementia Awareness Week and Mental Health Awareness Week to run the multimedia focus which featured the role of carers, the support being given to people with learning and physical disabilities to come back to Walsall to live and a typical day at the new Independent Living Centre.

The partnership work between the council, Age UK Walsall and Accord Group in developing specialised dementia support and advice was also featured along with case studies. These included one woman’s moving account of living with a mental health condition and the story of a man who is managing his epilepsy and able to live independently in his own flat for the first time in his life. Becky and Tina said: “The Who Cares? initiative is a great way of spreading the word about social care and challenging people’s misconceptions of this area of work. “The live tweeting from a carer’s home was a particularly powerful way of showing – in real time – the demands and pressures faced by anyone who cares for a loved one, friend or neighbour. “We spent a morning with Ron Haynes, who has dementia and Alzheimer’s and his carer wife Sheila, having met them through consultation sessions that were carried out to shape the borough’s updated carers’ strategy. “The Twitter stream attracted a lot of attention in the social media world and beyond as, to our knowledge, no-one has live tweeted in these circumstances before. But most importantly, we were able to give people a taste of what life can be like for a carer and raise awareness of people’s attitudes towards those with dementia. “We want Who cares? to try and reach as many Walsall residents as possible and we will be running more sessions over the coming months.”

----------------------------------------------------

IIff yyoouu ccaann ddrreeaamm iitt,, yyoouu ccaann ddoo iitt A student from Walsall Adult &

Community College (WACC) has proved you can prepare to 'fight and flight' as she bids to become a pilot for the Royal Navy later this year.

Twenty-three year old Louise Shaw from Bloxwich passed her Functional Skills in

Mathematics (Level 2) in March this year, giving her the green light to pursue her dream.

The former Frank F Harrison pupil is already an amateur glider and is working towards achieving her first solo flight with the Staffordshire Gliding Club.

Louise initially set her heart on becoming a fighter pilot for the RAF, but she missed out when the organisation closed its recruitment. She then applied for the Royal Navy and decided that in order to boost her chances, she would return to college to achieve her Level 2 in Mathematics which she passed with 'flying colours'.

From September 2012 and for the first time ever, the college will offer GCSE Maths and English to learners for FREE, thanks to the release of new Government funding.

The Royal Navy immediately offered Louise the position of Air Traffic Controller, which she declined as she was determined to fulfil her flying aspirations.

Upon completion of a stringent fitness and medical test, Louise now hopes to begin her intensive training at a Navy base later this year.

"Studying at WACC helped build my confidence that I could actually achieve what I set out to achieve," she said.

"I'm very thankful to my tutor Steve Read, who has been wonderful. I never forget my friends and the people who have helped me accomplish so much.

"Special mention also has to go to Frank F Harrison, it's a great school and I wouldn't be who I am today without the teachers that worked there."

Joanne Keatley, director for curriculum and learning at Walsall Adult & Community College praised the 23-year-old, and said: "We're delighted and very proud that Louise has achieved her Functional Skills qualification. Her experience just goes to show that in life, you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it.

"We wish her all the best in her Navy career."

Final word is left to Louise, who after visiting the Kennedy Space Centre spotted this quote, which has since become her mantra:

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire waiting to be ignited, with every definite thought because if you can dream it, you can do it."

To find out about the college's GCSE Maths and English course programme contact the college by calling 01922 663000, visiting www.wacc.ac.uk, on Facebook and via Twitter @Walsall_WACC.

----------------------------------------------------

RRooyyaall ddaayy ttoo rreemmeemmbbeerr ffoorr

ccoouunncciill’’ss CClliivvee

“A day to be remembered for years,” is how environmental health manager Clive Potts, pictured back left, sums up his recent visit to Buckingham Palace, organised in recognition of his 38 years’ service to Walsall Council.

Clive and his wife Lillian accompanied the former Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Walsall Graham and Jan Wilkes to the special garden party last month.

Clive, who started work at Walsall in 1974, said: “The whole day was absolutely wonderful and every moment of it went so well it will be remembered for years – it really was out of this world.”

“We had a close-up view of many of the royal family, not to mention an assortment 9of politicians and entertainers. We really had never experienced a day like it before and would like to thank the former Deputy Mayor and Mayoress for their pleasant company as well as the current Mayor and Mayoress for their lovely send off.”

Clive’s early career saw him work in most of the disciplines in environmental health; public health, food safety, health and safety, housing, meat inspection, and he moved into the Housing Department in 1981 following a large-scale reorganisation of the two departments.

He moved into what is now the Environmental Health and Consumer Services Department in 1988 dealing primarily with food safety, health promotion, and health and safety matters, and latterly has become the manager of the pest control and dog warden services together with dealing with all matters relating to animal welfare and premises where licences are needed to carry on a business utilising animals.

Clive, aged 61, said: “Although I have spent most of my career at Walsall, I feel as though I have had many different and varied jobs because the work itself is so diverse, with no two days being the same, and I feel very fortunate to have had such a varied career which has brought me into contact with a whole range of people in the community.

“I can still vividly remember the day I started when, after an “induction” lasting five minutes I was told to find my way over to the Willenhall area office, to be confronted by a lone inspector who chain-smoked his way through the day, and a pile of public health complaints (lots of papers rather than lots of e-mails) and told to “work your way through that lot, lad!”

“I started on my first day at 8.45am and by 10.15am was out on the patch inspecting.

“I can’t believe where those 38 years have gone, but wherever they’ve gone, they’ve flown by!”

----------------------------------------------------

FFllooooddeedd oouutt bbuutt ssttiillll ddeetteerrmmiinneedd

Liz Shorthouse is pictured with her husband Tom (right) and sister and brother-in-law before she was to swim 2 miles for charity at Lake Windermere.

That was on Friday 22 June 2012 before the flood sent her and her family home. Due to terrible weather conditions of wind and rain the swim was cancelled, as was the Saturday events at the lake.

Liz said, “Our caravan site flooded, so we came home on Saturday, but I checked Sunday morning on the website and my race had been rescheduled for 4.15pm on the Sunday.

“I was beside myself and obviously wanted to go back, so we did and I finally entered the water at 4.15pm. It was cold and very choppy, but I managed to complete the 2 miles in 1 hour and 28 minutes, quite a respectable time I think!

So Liz and Tom left their children with relatives and drove up to Lake Windermere so she could take part and came back the same day.

“It was a fantastic experience and very emotional, with all that had happened and the reason I was doing it in the first place.”

Occupational therapist Liz was raising money for the charity LATCH, a Welsh children’s cancer charity who have helped, and still continue to help Liz’s brother and sister-in-law following the death of Liz’s niece in December 2011 who was 12 years old. The charity offers all kinds of support from accommodation to assistance with finances, holidays and, the most valuable of the lot, emotional support.

Liz has raised £341 to date and £76.25 through gift aid. Liz added, “A big thanks to everyone who’s donated to date, there’s still time though if people would like to give anything to this fabulous cause.”

Go to www.justgiving.com/formeggymoo

----------------------------------------------------

DDoonn’’tt ffoorrggeett......

----------------------------------------------------

FFiirrsstt SSttoopp SShhoopp rreellaayy ttoorrcchh iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn

From left, Karen Perry, Kiran Devi and Natalie Lake have all the answers for this weekend's visit of the Olympic Torch. With the 2012 Olympic Torch journeying through Walsall on Saturday, colleagues at the First Stop Shop can relay all the information you need to know about the route, road closures, town centre activities and events. Kitted out in specially made Walsall for 2012 t-shirts, sponsored by whg and the brainchild of senior customer service advisor, Rachel Johnson, staff in the Civic Centre on Darwall Street are on their marks to ensure residents make the most of what is expected to be a magnificent occasion. Torch Lead, Kate Goodall, said: “The First Stop Shop team will be able to answer all your questions about Saturday’s historic event, directing people so they have the best possible experience."

You can read more about the day’s activities at the Walsall for 2012 website www.walsallfor2012.co.uk

----------------------------------------------------

TThhaannkkss ttoo oouurr ssppoorrttss ddeevveellooppmmeenntt

tteeaamm MMaarryy ccaann ccaarrrryy tthhee OOllyymmppiicc

ttoorrcchh ffoorr WWaallssaallll When Mary Clarke-Mortiboys retired in 2008 she took up exercise with Walsall Walk

On run by our sports development team and now she’s been chosen as a torchbearer for Walsall. Mary’s husband nominated her to be a torchbearer as he hoped it would acknowledge the 40 years commitment that Mary has given to adult learning in Walsall and Birmingham both as paid and voluntary work. Mary said “I am delighted to be involved in a project that brings the Olympic Games into the community. Not everyone can get tickets, or afford tickets for the games, but the Torch relay will help bring the event to the people.” Mary retired from work in 2008 and this is when she gained an enthusiasm for keeping fit and physical activity after her GP had recommended exercise to her. She joined Walsall Walk On which delivers a number of free weekly

health walks ranging from 30 minute beginner walks to 2 ½ hour advanced walks. Mary started on one of the beginner walks as she was nervous as it was the first time she had participated in structured exercise since she had left school. After a few weeks Mary became more confident and joined the longer walks. Mary was also attending the gym as part of the PACE programme. Community Activity Instructor (Running and Walking), Stuart Terry from the sports development team said, “When Mary featured in the Express Star we were delighted that our Walk on Walsall and PACE programmes got a mention. “I’m involved in the PACE and Walk On programmes and you can see the benefits it brings to the physical fitness of our participants.

“The PACE programme that Mary joined stands for Physical Activity for Cardiac Enhancement and offers sessions that follow circuit or gym based format. They are designed specifically so that everyone can work at their own level and anyone can join a session at any point.” Sessions are delivered in local community venues currently running in Bloxwich, Darlaston, Oak Park, Palfrey, Central Walsall and Willenhall. You must be referred either by Walsall Heartcare or the team’s ‘Time to Change’ referral scheme. And new for 2012, inspired by London 2012, the team launched the Walsall to London challenge - run 100 miles to win a gold medal. They offer 9 weekly sessions to help you clock up the miles and you can enter as an individual or a team. Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic games said: “Walsall to London is encouraging residents of Walsall to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as Walsall Council, we are delivering our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation.” If you would like any information on the Walsall Walk On, PACE or London to Walsall programmes please contact Sports Development on 01902 605500 or sportsdev@walsall.gov.uk Picture of Mary courtesy of the Express & Star

----------------------------------------------------

BBlluueebbeellll FFuunn DDaayy ffoorr

SStt GGiilleess WWaallssaallll HHoossppiiccee

oonn 2266 MMaayy 22001122

Staff members from Finance, Leisure, Legal Services, Social Care and Audit along with friends and relatives took part on the day. Julie Carlisle who helped promote the event tells Team Spirit about this memorable day.

It was a beautiful, warm and sunny Saturday morning in Walsall Arboretum. Walsall Council staff members, friends and relatives got together in support for the Bluebell Fun Day, in aid of St Giles Walsall Hospice. Everyone arrived early with enthusiasm, eager to get started.

The event involved either a 5 or 10k sponsored walk or run, in circuits around the Arboretum Extension, to raise much needed funds for the local St Giles Hospice; with fancy dress being the order of the day.

Event organiser, Julie Carlisle from Financial Admin & Support Services said, “We were deeply affected by the recent death of our friend and colleague, Marie Halls (nee Simpkins). I personally, felt inspired to do something that reflected Marie’s zest for life and I’m sure she would have been really proud and pleased with the results of our event.”

St Giles Walsall Hospice has been a huge support to both Marie and her family, during her illness. Also, other colleagues have experience with St Giles, who provide specialist care for cancer patients and other serious illnesses, where they are too poorly to stay at home. They also provide respite care, and invaluable

support and advice for their families. The charity totally relies on public support for funding and that’s what makes this event so important.

Representatives from both Marie’s Family and St Giles, were on hand to participate in the event and to help with registration; and to hand out medals and ‘goodie bags’ on completion of their activities.

Marie’s family showing their support

There was a serious note to the day, and everyone had their own reasons for taking part in the event.

Julie added, “All staff, our friends and relatives have been generous with their support, through both council wide collections and sponsorship. I can’t thank anyone enough. However, I would especially like to thank John Millard and Malcolm Morris from Parks for their invaluable advice in organising the event, and setting up on the day.

Also, all the volunteers from St Giles Walsall Hospice who provided stewards and goodie bags; Kevin Barker from Streetpride, who helped with registration; Anne Marie Millard from HR who provided the medals; Nicola and Paul from K and N Catering who provided our refreshments and also made a donation. Last but not least; Brenda Francis from FASS – what Brenda doesn’t know about organising events, isn’t worth knowing! Thank you all! Without any of these people we couldn’t have collected £4000, so far, with a further £1500 pledged; and had such an exceptional day! “

If you would like any further information on St Giles Walsall Hospice, please visit their website www.stgileshospice.com/Walsall.html.

----------------------------------------------------

WWaallssaallll CCoouunncciill FFCC VViiccttoorriioouuss

Well, almost...on Saturday 23 June 2012 eight Walsall employees headed to Nottingham to play in this year’s Local Authority Five A Sides (LAFAS) indoor football tournament.

The tournament saw 16 teams from across the UK turn up to claim the trophy and more importantly the bragging rights of being the best UK local authority team. Goalkeeper Ian Staples said “We turned up to redeem ourselves from last year’s performance. We did that, and then some.”

Having played for almost 2 hours, winning 9 matches to get there, Walsall Council FC played their way into the final against Staffordshire County Council’s sports and leisure team where, having took an early lead, it sadly proved a game too far for our bruised, battered and heavily fatigued bodies.

Captain Ashley Murtagh said “We may not be the most talented, fittest and with an average team age of 38, we’re certainly not the youngest. But what we lacked for in those areas, we more than made up for in courage, spirit, passion and determination, and that’s what brought us through to the final.”

With 8 goals, top goal scorer Bobby Slusarchuk said “This was my first time at the LAFAS, it’s been incredible, great atmosphere and tough opposition, we earned our place in the final.”

Neil Skeldon opened Walsall’s score sheet but suffered a tournament ending injury half way through the day and said, “If only I could have been there to the end we might just have won it... I was very impressed with the hard work put into the games by all the guys; they are a credit to Walsall.”

Steve Hough whose no-nonsense defending kept the opposition in check said, “It was a privilege to play with this team and what we achieved was nothing short of remarkable. The only disappointing note for me was when I missed a penalty, yes Messrs Cole and Young, I know how you feel! Mind you, the keeper did pull off the save of the tournament to deny me.”

Dale Bowen who bagged 5 great goals in the tournament added, “We definitely made a mark on the competition and firmly put Walsall Council on the sporting map.”

At 21, our team’s youngest member, Simon Walker, kept making a nuisance of himself on (and off) the pitch, he said “Working hard together as a team was a key factor for us, it’s fair to say we earned our celebratory night out in Nottingham after the tournament.”

Team Manager and emergency back-up player Christian Jones said “Congratulations to Staffordshire on the victory, it was a well fought and close game. “Me and the guys are all proud of what we accomplished, we left with our heads held high and the belief that next year we’ll do one better and come away with the trophy”.

For more information about Walsall Council Football Club (WCFC), visit our Yammer group page.

Photographed back row from left to right are Dale Bowen, Ashley Murtagh (Cpt), Steve Hough, Bobby Slusarchuk and Christian Jones (Mgr) and in the front row from left to right are Simon Walker, Ian Staples (GK) and Neil Skeldon.

----------------------------------------------------

SSoocciiaall mmeeddiiaa –– wwee’’rree hheerree ttoo hheellpp

We’ve now got more than 70 profiles on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to give the council a voice across social media.

With more than 30 million Facebook users, 10 million Twitter profiles and newspaper sales declining that’s an important presence. You can take a look at Walsall Council’s presences as well as other public sector and voluntary sector profiles here: http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/index/news/press_office/social_media_directory_for_walsall.htm The communications unit is happy to help people with these channels if they are the most appropriate but in line with CMT’s wishes don’t look to set up a channel without that conversation. Drop a note to communications@walsall.gov.uk for more information or call Dan on 01922 650883.

----------------------------------------------------